France hand Jolmes, Tanga debuts against Japan

France head coach Fabien Galthie on Thursday handed debuts to lock Thomas Jolmes and number eight Yoan Tanga for the first rugby Test against Japan in Toyota on Saturday.

The 2023 World Cup hosts have brought a young squad to Japan with several of the players who led them to the Six Nations Grand Slam this season rested.

Flanker Charles Ollivon returns to captain the side after missing the Six Nations through injury.

Several of Galthie's starting line-up played in the Barbarians' 52-21 thrashing of England at Twickenham two weeks ago.

The coach said he wants to see his young side "grab the opportunity" in a France jersey.

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"It's a hungry team," said Galthie.

"Everything is possible. We often tell the players when they come into the locker room 'it is you who takes the shirt'. We are here to put out and prepare the best team but it is you who are the authors of your own destiny."

Galthie said he had "no doubts" that flanker Ollivon was ready to resume the captaincy after suffering a knee injury in June 2021.

He played a key part in taking Toulon to the European Challenge Cup final last month and impressed while leading the Barbarians.

"He is very comfortable, he has regained his abilities and he is stringing together some matches," Galthie said.

"He has already proved himself with the game against England and he has a second captaincy and a new chapter with the France team."

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph made six changes from the side that thrashed Uruguay 43-7 last weekend for his team's "massive challenge" against France.

Three players have been ruled out because of Covid,